When You're Longing to Hear from God...

Beginning my day as usual, getting that desperately needed cup of coffee, stumbling over to the couch, opening up my Bible…once again I found myself in need of something, anything, that would make me feel alive again.  I desperately needed to know I was on the right path as opposed to blindly making my way through yet another day. I was sick of merely going through the motions, yet again. I needed motivation!  I craved some affirmation. Some hope. Some acknowledgement. Some…purpose.

How long has it been since I felt like I honest-to-goodness heard from the Lord?

 I can’t even remember.

Oh how I longed for that golden-Holy-Spirit-nugget-of-truth, jumping off the pages, bringing clarity, solace, understanding, even a surge of energy.  For more days than I could count, it seemed as if I have merely gone through the motions, doing the next “right” thing, hoping that eventually there would be some type of break thru - that familiar, yet unfamiliar, spark that would once again ignite the passion within me to not merely “get through” another day, but rather seize it with a force of gusto originating from deep within my belly, knowing that I was on target to do what He’d called me to do. 

How long had it been since I had felt THAT?!

 I need to feel Him – His presence.  His truth.  His power. I need for my soul to swim, once again, with creativity and passion and excitement and energy!

 Lord, I need You!

 Then He showed up…
Not like an earthquake, or a storm, or even a shake, but rather in a kind, empathic, loving voice. A reminder that had seemed to elude me for quite some time…

 “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” (Hebrews 12:3)

My soul is definitely weary. Tired. Exhausted. Discouraged. Bored even.

But could it be that easy? Had my lack been at my own hand? Had my discouragement been the result of a serious deficit of consideration? 

Consider Him. 
Consider Him who endured.
Consider Him who endured hostility.
Consider Him who endured hostility from sinners.
Prompting me to ask myself…

I had to take inventory…

As I wake up each day to face that which has to be done…Do I consider Him?

As I am tempted to be overwhelmed and discouraged by the difficulties and challenges that come my way…Do I consider Him?

As my creativity wanes and my energy drags…Do I consider Him?

As anger turns over in my belly, enticing, even pleading, for me to force my opinions… Do I consider Him?

As judgment beckons me to label and condemn those I deem who are in the wrong…Do I consider Him?

As my weary soul can no longer identify the words, feelings or emotions… Do I consider Him?

Is this the reason for my lack?  The deficiency of sustenance that washes over me, leaving me void of all that is good?  The anemic sensation of not having enough, being enough, feeling enough, experiencing enough?

 Have I not considered Him? Is it that simple, yet at the same time, that profound?

 As I have been given the choice and the ability to love well…Will I consider Him?

As grace presents herself as a gift to me, to be, in turn, extended to others…Will I consider Him?

 As direction and clarity have been desired, diminishing the thought of wandering aimlessly…Will I consider Him?

 As I look for inspiration, creativity and energy…Will I consider Him?

He endured much, 

Conceived in the hearts of those who were bent on His destruction,

Fueled by their own hostility and hatred…

Yet He prevailed.
Love won.
Hope was birthed.
Acceptance was extended.
The trajectory was changed.
Encouragement was offered to our weary souls. 

To my heart, I say…
I know you are weary.
I know that you fear.
I realize you seek answers.
I acknowledge both your need and desire for justice,   
leaving you at a loss as to know what to do. 

Dear heart…consider Him.

He sees.
He knows.
He has experienced.
He has felt.
He has gone before you.
You haven’t been forgotten.
Nor have you been dismissed.

 He endured the pain, the rejection, the accusations and the demonization.

 He not only survived.
He won.
As will you.

 For in this,
Find hope.
Find peace.
Find strength.
Find courage.
Find faith.
Find grace.
Find that passion that you seek.
Find His unfathomable love for you.
Bring your weary soul to Him.

How long has it been since you’ve heard from Him?
Perhaps, just perhaps…consider Him.